EU likely to push back ETIAS introduction to 2027

The launch of the EU’s new electronic authorisation system, known as ETIAS, looks set for a further delay into 2027, according to media reports.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will apply to passport holders from third (non-EU) nations who do not require a visa to enter Schengen Area countries. It had finally been set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026 after suffering years of previous delays.

But a report in the Financial Times suggested that the EU-Lisa agency, which manages the implementation of ETIAS, has “acknowledged that launching it by the end of this year as planned was no longer feasible”. The publication cited “three people briefed on the matter”, as its sources for the article.

A potential fresh delay to the introduction of ETIAS comes as the EU has fully implemented its related Entry-Exit System (EES) biometric data initiative this year, with aviation and airport groups warning of the negative impact this is likely to have on airport queues.

On its ETIAS online information page, the EU still says that the system will start operations in the final quarter of 2026, and “no action is required” from travellers at this point.

“The exact date for the entry into operation of ETIAS will be proposed by the European Commission, following consultation with EU-Lisa and member states,” said EU-Lisa in a statement. “At this moment, the proposed entry into operation remains Q4 2026.”

When it is finally launched, ETIAS will be operate in a similar way to the long-established ESTA in the US and the UK’s more recent ETA scheme. Under current plans, ETIAS will charge an application fee of €20.